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Broersen M, Creemers DHM, Frieswijk N, Vermulst AA, Kroon H. Effects of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: outcomes of an 18-month observational study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:745-758. [PMID: 37280465 PMCID: PMC11087363 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02508-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study examined the effect of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment on symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes of adolescents dealing with multifaceted psychiatric and social care needs who do not readily engage in regular office-based mental health services. METHODS Newly admitted clients (n = 199) aged 12-24 years from 16 Youth Flexible ACT teams participated in this observational prospective cohort study. Client and practitioner questionnaires were administered every 6 months, up to 18 months. Latent growth curve analyses were conducted to examine changes in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes throughout Flexible ACT. RESULTS Our analyses of client-reported outcomes showed a decrease in overall psychosocial difficulties, depressive symptoms, and subclinical psychosis symptoms. Moreover, outcomes showed improved social interaction with peers, quality of life, and feelings of empowerment and fewer contacts with the police/legal system. In addition, analyses of clinician-reported outcomes showed a decrease in problems related to family life, peer relationships, school/work attendance, emotional symptoms, and attentional problems. Problems related to personal finance, school and work status, substance misuse, disruptive and aggressive behavior, self-injury, and self-care and independence remained unchanged. CONCLUSION Our results showed that clients participating in Youth Flexible ACT improved in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes over 18 months. With its integrated approach and personalized care, this service delivery model is promising for adolescents unable to engage successfully in regular (office based) mental health support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Broersen
- GGZ Oost Brabant, Oss, The Netherlands.
- Tranzo-Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Hans Kroon
- Tranzo-Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gerstl B, Ahinkorah BO, Nguyen TP, John JR, Hawker P, Winata T, Brice F, Bowden M, Eapen V. Evidence-based long term interventions targeting acute mental health presentations for children and adolescents: systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1324220. [PMID: 38510802 PMCID: PMC10950959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1324220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Long term intervention services have proven to be effective in improving mental health (MH) outcomes and the quality of life for children and young people (CYP). Aim To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of long-term interventions in improving MH outcomes for CYP, 0-17 years, presenting with MH conditions. Methods A systematic search was carried out and the methodological quality of included long term MH intervention studies were assessed. Six databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles between January 2000 and September 2022. Results We found 30 studies that reported on the effectiveness of a range of long-term MH interventions in the form of (i) group therapy, (ii) multisystemic behavior therapy, (iii) general services, (iv) integrated services, (v) psychotherapy, (vi) intensive intervention services, (vii) comprehensive collaborative care, (viii) parent training, and (ix) home outreach service. Among the included studies, seven were rated as high level of evidence based on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) levels of evidence hierarchy scale and seven were of moderate quality evidence. Others were rated as lower-quality evidence. Among the studies providing high quality evidence, most were reported for group therapy, general services, and psychotherapy studies demonstrating beneficial effects. Conclusion This systematic review provides evidence to demonstrate the benefits of a range of long-term interventions, in a range of settings, can be effective in improving MH outcomes for CYP and their families. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022323324.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Gerstl
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas P. Nguyen
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Mental Health, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Rufus John
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patrick Hawker
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Teresa Winata
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Febe Brice
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Bowden
- Child and Youth Mental Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Psychological Medicine, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Thaventhiran T, Wong BHC, Pilecka I, Masood S, Atanda O, Clacey J, Tolmac J, Wehncke L, Romaniuk L, Heslin M, Tassie E, Chu P, Bevan-Jones R, Woolhouse R, Mahdi T, Dobler VB, Wait M, Reavey P, Landau S, Byford S, Zundel T, Ougrin D. Evaluation of intensive community care services for young people with psychiatric emergencies: study protocol for a multi-centre parallel-group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial with an internal pilot phase. Trials 2024; 25:141. [PMID: 38389089 PMCID: PMC10885519 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07974-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 3000 young people under the age of 18 are admitted to Tier 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) inpatient units across the UK each year. The average length of hospital stay for young people across all psychiatric units in the UK is 120 days. Research is needed to identify the most effective and efficient ways to care for young people (YP) with psychiatric emergencies. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of intensive community care service (ICCS) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) for young people with psychiatric emergencies. METHODS This is a multicentre two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an internal pilot phase. Young people aged 12 to < 18 considered for admission at participating NHS organizations across the UK will be randomized 1:1 to either TAU or ICCS. The primary outcome is the time to return to or start education, employment, or training (EET) at 6 months post-randomization. Secondary outcomes will include evaluations of mental health and overall well-being and patient satisfaction. Service use and costs and cost-effectiveness will also be explored. Intention-to-treat analysis will be adopted. The trial is expected to be completed within 42 months, with an internal pilot phase in the first 12 months to assess the recruitment feasibility. A process evaluation using visual semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 42 young people and 42 healthcare workers. DISCUSSION This trial is the first well-powered randomized controlled trial evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of ICCS compared to TAU for young people with psychiatric emergencies in Great Britain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN42999542, Registration on April 29, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Joe Clacey
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Jovanka Tolmac
- Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Leon Wehncke
- North-East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Rhys Bevan-Jones
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Wales, UK
- Cardiff University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Tauseef Mahdi
- Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Bracknell, UK
| | | | - Mandy Wait
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | | | | | | | - Toby Zundel
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
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Keiller E, Masood S, Wong BHC, Avent C, Bediako K, Bird RM, Boege I, Casanovas M, Dobler VB, James M, Kiernan J, Martinez-Herves M, Ngo TVT, Pascual-Sanchez A, Pilecka I, Plener PL, Prillinger K, Lim IS, Saour T, Singh N, Skouta E, Steffen M, Tolmac J, Velani H, Woolhouse R, Zundel T, Ougrin D. Intensive community care services for children and young people in psychiatric crisis: an expert opinion. BMC Med 2023; 21:303. [PMID: 37563713 PMCID: PMC10413710 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and young people's (CYP) mental health is worsening, and an increasing number are seeking psychiatric and mental health care. Whilst many CYPs with low-to-medium levels of psychiatric distress can be treated in outpatient services, CYPs in crisis often require inpatient hospital treatment. Although necessary in many cases, inpatient care can be distressing for CYPs and their families. Amongst other things, inpatient stays often isolate CYPs from their support networks and disrupt their education. In response to such limitations, and in order to effectively support CYPs with complex mental health needs, intensive community-based treatment models, which are known in this paper as intensive community care services (ICCS), have been developed. Although ICCS have been developed in a number of settings, there is, at present, little to no consensus of what ICCS entails. METHODS A group of child and adolescent mental health clinicians, researchers and academics convened in London in January 2023. They met to discuss and agree upon the minimum requirements of ICCS. The discussion was semi-structured and used the Dartmouth Assertive Community Treatment Fidelity Scale as a framework. Following the meeting, the agreed features of ICCS, as described in this paper, were written up. RESULTS ICCS was defined as a service which provides treatment primarily outside of hospital in community settings such as the school or home. Alongside this, ICCS should provide at least some out-of-hours support, and a minimum of 90% of CYPs should be supported at least twice per week. The maximum caseload should be approximately 5 clients per full time equivalent (FTE), and the minimum number of staff for an ICCS team should be 4 FTE. The group also confirmed the importance of supporting CYPs engagement with their communities and the need to remain flexible in treatment provision. Finally, the importance of robust evaluation utilising tools including the Children's Global Assessment Scale were agreed. CONCLUSIONS This paper presents the agreed minimum requirements of intensive community-based psychiatric care. Using the parameters laid out herein, clinicians, academics, and related colleagues working in ICCS should seek to further develop the evidence base for this treatment model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cerian Avent
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Isabel Boege
- Medical University Graz & ZfP Südwürttemberg, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Maya James
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - Jane Kiernan
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nidhita Singh
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - Eirini Skouta
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | | | - Jovanka Tolmac
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hemma Velani
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Toby Zundel
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - Dennis Ougrin
- East London NHS Foundation Trust & Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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The Impact of Community Mental Health Programs for Australian Youth: A Systematic Review. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2022; 25:573-590. [PMID: 35171386 PMCID: PMC8853061 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-022-00384-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Australia has undergone significant youth mental health reform over the past 10 years, leading to numerous studies examining the effects of community-based mental health care programs for Australian youth. However, no synthesis of this literature currently exists. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to: (1) describe the types of community-based mental health programs that have been delivered to Australian youth in the past 10 years; and (2) examine their impact in improving young people’s mental health symptomology and psychosocial functioning. A systematic search of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted. Studies were included if they evaluated the extent to which such programs improved mental health symptomology (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use) and/or psychosocial outcomes (e.g., social functioning, school engagement, employment) for Australian youth aged 10–25 years. Thirty-seven studies were included. Four types of community-based youth mental health care programs were identified: therapy (n = 16), case management (n = 9), integrated ‘one-stop-shop’ (n = 6) and lifestyle (n = 6) programs. The majority of therapeutic programs were effective in reducing mental health symptomology. Case management and integrated approaches consistently yielded significant improvements in both symptomology and psychosocial outcomes. Lifestyle programs were effective in alleviating depressive symptoms, but inconclusive for other outcomes. This review provides support for youth-friendly, systemic, multidisciplinary and integrated assertive outreach models of community mental health care to improve outcomes for young Australians experiencing mental health concerns. Several recommendations for future research are provided to strengthen the local evidence-base supporting community mental health programs to ultimately enhance young people’s life trajectory.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Assertive Community Treatment is an established evidenced based practice that provides intensive community treatment for individuals with severe mental illness with recurrent hospitalizations and/or homelessness. Emerging evidence indicates limitations in its implementation in terms of to the original ACT model and its current relevance. RECENT FINDINGS Findings from recent studies (2018-2020) reveals challenges with implementation centered around basic implementation activities, such as changes in the psychosocial context of individuals with SMI, clinicians' abilities to demonstrate competencies with new practices, and ongoing evolution of mental health systems of care worldwide. Intermediary and purveyor organizations (IPO) can provide the infrastructure to support the spread of EBPs while addressing challenges and opportunities. Thus, implementation of ACT can be accomplished when employing a rigorous framework and infrastructure that can synthesize and translate science relevant for practice. SUMMARY The relevance of ACT depends on its implementation that is responsive to change. An implementation science-informed approach is key to providing ACT to individuals in the critical space between the hospital and community. With this approach, we can optimize ACT as a service delivery vehicle by careful analysis of how best to furnish and evaluate the latest, most effective and efficient treatments, rehabilitation and support services.
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Broersen M, Creemers DHM, Frieswijk N, Vermulst AA, Kroon H. Investigating the critical elements and psychosocial outcomes of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: a study protocol for an observational prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035146. [PMID: 32265243 PMCID: PMC7245379 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION When adolescents experience complex psychiatric and social problems, numerous healthcare services usually become involved. In these cases, fragmentation of care services is a risk that often results in both ineffective care and in patients disengaging from care services. To address these issues, Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (Youth Flexible ACT) was developed in the Netherlands. This client-centred service delivery model aims to tackle the fragmented care system by providing psychiatric treatment and support in a flexible and integrated manner. While Youth Flexible ACT is gaining in popularity, the effectiveness of the care model remains largely unexamined. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Here, we present an observational prospective cohort (2017-2021) in which a broad range of treatment outcomes will be monitored. The primary aim of the study is to examine change in treatment outcomes over the course of the Flexible ACT care. The secondary aim is to examine the association between (elements of) Youth Flexible ACT model fidelity and treatment outcomes. An estimated total number of 200 adolescents who receive care from one of the 16 participating Youth Flexible ACT teams will be included in the study. Participants will be asked to complete assessments at four time points in 6-month intervals, resulting in a study duration of 18 months. Latent growth curve analysis will be conducted to examine change in psychosocial functioning over time and its relation to model fidelity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received ethical approval from Trimbos Ethics Committee (201607_75-FACT2). This approval applies for all participating institutions. The results of the study will be reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed academic journals and presentations at conferences. In addition, results will be made available for participating sites, funders and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Broersen
- GGZ Oost Brabant, Oss, The Netherlands
- Tranzo - Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Hans Kroon
- Tranzo - Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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